Helping families move on from domestic abuse

Published:12:00Sunday 25 May 2014

A programme that helps women see domestic abuse through the eyes of their children is helping families across the Borders.

During Scottish Borders Council’s Safer Communities Team CEDAR programme (Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery). women and children are helped to recover from their experience of domestic abuse, learning about issues like anger, abuse, how to cope, how to stay safe and how to rebuild their relationships.

Women and children who have completed the programme say that the shared experience has helped them to feel less alone. They also felt that communication within their families had improved and relationships were stronger.

A CEDAR graduate said: “On the first night, I sat outside and thought of lots of reasons why I shouldn’t go in but I had to for my children. I shouldn’t have worried though because everyone was so welcoming and we have ended up forming strong bonds with one another because of what we have been through. I used to feel so isolated but now we are on the road to recovery.”

Councillor Donald Moffat, executive member for community safety added: “This is a unique and vital source of support for women and children, particularly as it provides them with the opportunity to move on safely and in a way that lets them express their feelings about their experience.”

The next CEDAR groups are: women - August 26, 5.30-7pm; children - August 27, 11am-12.30pm or August 28, 11am-12.30pm. Children’s groups are during school hours in term time and transport can be provided. Co-ordinator, Elizabeth Parker on 01835 825024 or at: www.cedarnetwork.org.uk